This text investigates the theoretical foundations of Marxism-Leninism regarding the nature of war, the role of the military in a socialist state, and the socio-political function of armed forces. B. Byely, writing from a Soviet perspective, synthesizes classical Marxist-Leninist doctrine to explain how war is viewed as a continuation of politics by violent means. The work outlines the ideological necessity of a disciplined, state-controlled army to protect the socialist revolution against external and internal threats.

Scholars and historians frequently utilize this text as a primary source to understand the official military doctrine and ideological training of the Soviet armed forces during the Cold War. Readers often note the highly dense, didactic nature of the prose, which reflects the rigid political orthodoxy of the period in which it was written.